Event: Crushed for Wedding Pros

In this inspiring episode, Becky sits down with Kerrie Hileman, founder of The White Magnolia Bridal Collection and Magnolia Laine, to explore her journey from CPA to bridal boutique founder to multi-location business owner and franchisor. Kerrie shares how she turned her love for bridal fashion into a thriving brand with 15 locations across the U.S., leading an all-female team and creating unforgettable experiences for brides. Together, Becky and Kerrie discuss: How Kerrie transitioned from an accounting career to entrepreneurship The intentional growth behind expanding to multiple locations How franchising works (and what it really takes to do it well) Why creating a personalized experience is the foundation of a successful bridal or wedding business What it’s like to lead and empower women in business The importance of strong company culture and consistent client experience Kerrie’s best advice for new or growing wedding professionals Whether you’re a planner, photographer, or creative entrepreneur, you’ll leave this episode with valuable insights on scaling sustainably, maintaining your brand integrity, and leading with purpose. Key Takeaways You don’t have to be everything to everyone—focus on your niche and ideal client. A consistent client experience starts with clear systems, training, and shared values. Franchising isn’t as intimidating as it seems—but it requires strong operations and alignment. Building an uplifting company culture eliminates drama and encourages growth. Your skin will get thicker over time—growth and resilience come with experience. Connect with Kerrie Instagram:@whitemagnoliabridal@magnolialainebridal@amberellabridal Websites:www.whitemagnoliabridal.comwww.magnolialainebridal.com Loved this episode?Please consider leaving a rating or review, and make sure you're subscribed!

Wedding season takes a toll on all of us — emotionally, physically, and mentally — and as wedding pros, we often put everyone else first while pushing through our own challenges. In this episode, I’m sharing openly about the weight we carry during the season, from difficult clients to personal struggles we work through quietly, and even the physical exhaustion of long wedding days. I’ll also share practical and restorative ways to recharge, reset, and re-energize before diving into all those projects you’ve been saving for the off-season. Think staycations, massages, creative hobbies, rest, and reconnecting with community. This is your reminder that you’re human first, wedding pro second, and you deserve to fill your cup back up. Whether you’re wrapping up your last wedding of the year or still in the thick of it, this episode will encourage you to pause, rest, and prepare to thrive in the season ahead. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The unique emotional toll of being a wedding pro (and why our work can feel heavier than other industries). Personal stories from my own career, including tough seasons and missed family moments. The physical demands of long wedding days and the importance of recovery. Practical ways to re-energize after wedding season: rest, self-care, staycations, hobbies, and movement. Why community is a powerful form of self-care, and how to connect with peers who truly “get it.” Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode: Oregon-based wedding pro? Tickets are still on sale for Unveiled: A Night Out for Wedding Pros on October 16th at The Gardens at Riverside, but they won't last long! https://anightoutforweddingpros.eventbrite.com Episode Mention: "Sustainable Content Strategies for Busy Wedding Pros with Danison of Bow Tie & Brush" (Episode 42) Episode Mention: “Wedding Pro Green Flags” (Episode 68) Engaging Eugene Networking Events: Follow along on Instagram for upcoming events (@engagingeugene) I’ll be at Wedding MBA this November — hope to see you there! Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a rating or review, and make sure you're subscribed so you never miss an episode!

Gen Z is changing the wedding industry in big ways — from how they search for vendors to how they prefer to communicate. In this episode of the Event: Crushed Podcast, Becky sits down with Amanda Writesman of the Bridal Theory, marketing strategist, educator, and small business coach with over 14 years of experience in the wedding and creative industries. Amanda shares her insights on how wedding pros can adjust their marketing and sales strategies to connect authentically with Gen Z couples. From texting etiquette to social media trends, this conversation is packed with practical tips to help you stay relevant and confident when working with the next generation of couples. If you’ve been wondering how to attract and book Gen Z clients without feeling like you’re chasing trends, this episode is for you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why Gen Z approaches wedding planning differently than past generations How to adapt your communication style (including when and how to text) Marketing shifts wedding pros need to make right now What authenticity really looks like when speaking to Gen Z couples Practical steps to update your sales process for today’s couples Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode: ClickSend – a text messaging platform for communicating with clients professionally Google Voice – a tool for managing calls and texts without using your personal phone number AmandaWritesman.com – learn more about Amanda’s programs and resources Follow Amanda on Instagram: @thebridaltheory Connect with Becky: @eventcrush.ed Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a rating or review, and make sure you’re subscribed! Thanks for tuning in!

We talk a lot about red flags in the wedding industry… but what about the green flags? In today’s episode, I’m sharing the vendor green flags that make me so excited to work with someone again and again. These are the qualities I noticed when I looked at my own preferred vendors list — the traits that every single one of them has in common. If you want to know what makes planners (and other vendors) eager to refer you, this episode is for you. Side note: the audio isn’t quite as polished this time (the wrong mic picked up my audio, woops!) — but the message is too good not to share. Thanks for sticking with me! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why clear communication and solid systems are non-negotiable green flags. The kind of energy that puts couples, families, and vendors at ease. How excellence and consistency in service build trust (and why professionalism matters on wedding day). Why referring vendors is a risk for planners — and how you can make them confident in recommending you. The importance of being a true team player: helping out, tagging vendors, and celebrating each other’s work. Why sustainability and boundaries matter more than bragging about being booked every weekend. How community-minded vendors build stronger, lasting relationships. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Benable (what we use for sharing preferred vendors) - sign up for free! Episode 18: What Energy Are You Bringing to a Wedding Day? I’d love to know: what are your favorite vendor green flags? DM me on Instagram @eventcrush.ed and I’ll share some of your responses on my stories! Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a rating or review, and make sure you're subscribed!

Hearing “we’ve decided to go in a different direction” from a potential client never feels great — especially when you were excited about working together. In this short and encouraging solo episode, I’m sharing how to navigate those moments without losing confidence, and how to turn a ‘no’ into a tool for growth in your wedding business. I’m opening up about a recent experience, the ways I’m working with my business coach to strengthen my sales process, and the important perspective shift that comes with realizing you don’t actually want every single lead to book you. You’ll also learn why “no” isn’t always personal, practical ways to refine your process, and how to keep relationships positive even when you don’t book the client — because you never know where that connection might lead down the road. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why a ‘no’ isn’t always about you (and what it might really mean) The surprising reason you don’t want every single client to book you How to evaluate your sales process and messaging Why following up with kindness can lead to future opportunities How to turn rejection into motivation and business improvements Resources & Links: Sign up for the FREE Book More Weddings Summit (Aug 18–22): eventcrush.com/summit Get tickets for Unveiled: A Night Out for Wedding Pros (Oct 16 in Eugene, OR) — 20% off through Aug 16 Thanks for tuning in! Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a rating or review, and make sure you’re subscribed!

In this episode, Becky sits down with returning guest Heidi Thompson, the founder of Evolve Your Wedding Business, to talk about how wedding pros can rise above the noise in a crowded industry. From navigating inconsistent inquiries to creating messaging that actually connects with your ideal clients, Heidi offers insight into what’s working right now, and what to stop wasting time on. They also dive into the upcoming Book More Weddings Summit, a free 5-day online event designed to help wedding professionals get more of the right inquiries and book more of the clients they actually want to work with. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN: What’s really going on with ghosting and slower booking timelines in 2025 Why generic marketing messages are costing you business How to clearly communicate the specific problem you solve for your ideal clients The myth of “doing more” to get better results—and what to focus on instead What’s working now: strategies from real pros that are booking weddings How the Book More Weddings Summit can help you uplevel your marketing and stand out! ABOUT HEIDI THOMPSON:Heidi is a marketing strategist and the founder of Evolve Your Wedding Business. She helps wedding pros book more of their dream clients without going crazy or working around the clock. She’s also the creator of the Wedding Business Collective and host of the Evolve Your Wedding Business Podcast. Through her annual Book More Weddings Summit, Heidi brings together 45+ wedding industry experts to share real, practical strategies to help pros grow thriving businesses. GRAB YOUR FREE TICKET:Join us for the Book More Weddings Summit — August 18–22, 2025!www.eventcrush.com/summit to grab your free ticket CONNECT WITH HEIDI:Instagram: @evolveyourweddingbusinessWebsite: evolveyourweddingbusiness.comPodcast: Evolve Your Wedding Business Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a rating or review, and make sure you're subscribed so you never miss an episode!Make sure you're following along at @eventcrush.ed on Instagram and shoot us a DM with any podcast guest ideas, questions, or topics you'd love to hear about on the podcast.

Instagram is a critical part of how many wedding pros market their businesses — which makes the potential of getting hacked feel absolutely devastating. In this solo episode, Becky shares her recent experience getting locked out of her business account, how she got back in quickly, and the exact steps she’s taking now to prevent it from happening again. You’ll hear: The play-by-play of how the hack happened — and why it was 100% preventable How hackers are targeting small business owners through trusted contacts The dangers of Googling for help (and what not to click on) How she was able to regain access to her account Her best tips to protect your business accounts starting today (don't wait until it's too late!) Why 2-factor authentication is a must Why she decided to sign up for Meta Verified (and how it's way more affordable than she thought) Why a password manager like 1Password is essential for strong, secure logins This is your friendly PSA to audit your social media security settings and protect your accounts before something like this happens to you! Resources Mentioned: 1Password Meta Verified Report Fraud here!! (forgot to mention this in the episode) Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a rating or review, and make sure you're subscribed!Follow us on Instagram at @eventcrush.ed

In today’s solo episode, Becky dives into the beauty and strength found in all stages of business — from the hustle and high-energy experimentation of your early years to the wisdom, clarity, and confidence that come with years of experience. Whether you're brand new to the wedding industry or you’ve been in it for 10+ years, this episode is packed with validation, encouragement, and reminders that you are exactly where you need to be. Becky shares: Why you should embrace your "newness" as a superpower The hustle, motivation, and willingness to try it all that newer pros often bring Advice for avoiding comparison — especially across different life seasons and business chapters How seasoned pros can lean into confidence, clarity, and calm problem-solving Why refining your offers (and raising your rates) is part of the growth process Encouragement for seasoned pros to revisit their “why” and consider mentoring others A reminder that both stages can (and should) learn from each other Why growth is never done — and what it looks like to keep evolving, no matter your stage You’ll walk away feeling proud of the season you’re in — and hopefully inspired to embrace it more fully, without comparison. Connect with Becky:Instagram: @eventcrush.edEmail: becky@eventcrush.comWant to share what season you’re in? DM Becky and let her know where you’re at in your journey! Loved this episode?Please consider leaving a rating or review, and make sure you're subscribed!

In this episode, Becky dives into six practical and impactful ways wedding professionals can stand out this wedding season. Whether you’re a planner, photographer, caterer, or any other vendor, these tips will help you create memorable experiences for your couples and your vendor partners—without adding more to your plate. Topics covered: Stellar communication with couples and vendors Going above and beyond in small but mighty ways The power of a calm and confident presence Prioritizing your own well-being so you can show up fully Little moments of surprise and delight for your couples Building real relationships with your vendor team Plus, Becky shares personal stories and real-world examples to inspire you to take these ideas and make them your own. Listen in for actionable takeaways and encouragement for the busy season ahead! Episode Highlights: How Cody from Mac Wedding Films sets the communication bar high (episode 52) Why a vendor "appreciation station" can make a big difference in team morale The importance of being a steady, positive energy on wedding days How a small gesture like snapping a vendor photo can create magic A powerful reminder that you can’t pour from an empty cup ✨ Loved this episode? Please consider leaving a rating or review, share it with a friend, and make sure you’re subscribed!

Feeling like leads are slower than usual this year? You're not alone, and this week we're diving in to why this is happening, and what you can do about it! In this episode, Becky discusses the reasons she believes 2025 has felt funky for so many wedding pros and shares three tangible, strategic ways you can start increasing your leads this week. She also reminds us why now is not the time to back off your marketing — even if it feels like you're buried in client work. Becky shares: What’s contributing to the slowdown (and why you’re not imagining it) How Gen Z is changing the way we book weddings Why adapting is key to business longevity Her exact tips for improving your lead gen fast, including: Reworking your website inquiry form Auditing your lead follow-up process Asking vendor friends for referrals (without the awkwardness) Plus, hear how Becky uses a fun freebie in her inquiry process to stand out from the crowd — and why staying top of mind on social media really matters. Mentioned in this episode: Ultimate Lead and Sales Tracker - Learn more here! Episode 3: How to Build a Business That Lasts Beyond 5 Years Episode 37: Boost Your Bookings in 2025 with Effective Lead Management Loved this episode?Please consider leaving a rating or review, and make sure you're subscribed! ❤️

This week marks one whole year of Event: Crushed, and I’m celebrating with a solo episode that’s part reflection, part encouragement, and part behind-the-scenes look at what podcasting has taught me. I’m sharing: The imposter syndrome I had to overcome to launch this podcast A few listener reviews and DMs that kept me going A super embarrassing mistake I hoped no one would notice My top 3 most-downloaded episodes from the first year Rapid-fire favorites including my fave guest interviews, my most nerve-wracking moment, favorite bloopers, fave topics, and soo much more Hot takes and wisdom from past guests And an honest pep talk if you’ve been putting off that “thing” you know you need to start Whether you’ve been here from episode one or you just found the show recently — thank you for listening, sharing, and supporting this dream. I couldn’t have done it without you! Resources & Mentions: Episode 1: The Girl Behind the Podcast Episode 21: Demystifying SEO for Wedding Pros with Adrienna of Ava and the Bee Episode 45: Market Smarter, Not Harder with Taylor of Enji Episode 48: Quit Sleeping On Email Marketing with Candice Coppola Episode 39: The Happiest Clients on Earth: Disney's Secrets for Wedding Pros Enji Birthday Promo: Get 6 months for $19/month during the month of May using this link Want to be a guest or suggest someone for the show? DM me at @eventcrush.ed or email me anytime! We are so excited for YEAR TWO of Event: Crushed and hope you'll stick around!

Today, I’m chatting with Cody McDonald of Mac Wedding Films about what it really takes to build a wedding business that’s rooted in genuine connection. Cody shares his refreshing perspective on staying creatively inspired, avoiding burnout, and leading with curiosity and care — not just behind the camera, but in every client and vendor relationship. If you’ve ever felt pressure to keep up with trends or grow faster, this conversation will be a breath of fresh air. Cody’s approach proves that building a meaningful, sustainable business isn’t about doing more — it’s about showing up with intention. In this episode, we’re covering: How to avoid burnout by staying focused on relationships, not just results Why genuine curiosity is one of the most powerful tools you have as a wedding pro The importance of serving your clients with care over chasing industry trends Building a timeless brand that still resonates years down the road How Cody’s background in accounting shaped the way he runs his creative business Advice for wedding pros who want to show up more authentically in their work Connect with Cody: Website: macweddingfilms.comInstagram: @macweddingfilms Loved this episode?Please consider subscribing, leaving a rating or review, and sharing it with a friend in the industry who might need a little encouragement today. And make sure you're following us on Instagram at @eventcrush.ed!